ICS2 Phase 3 is here
What it means for UK-EU road & maritime freight and how Hexagon are already ahead
From 1 September 2025, all road and rail freight entering the European Union must comply with Import Control System 2 (ICS2) Phase 3. This marks a major shift in EU customs pre-arrival security and safety requirements and at Hexagon, we’re ready.
What is ICS2 Phase 3?
ICS2 Phase 3 (also referred to as Release 3) is the final phase of the EU’s comprehensive customs security and safety system. It extends mandatory Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) requirements to include all goods transported by road, rail, maritime, and inland waterways into or through the EU.
Key roll out dates:
June 3, 2024 – Maritime ENS Begins
Maritime and inland waterway carriers begin filing Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) data into ICS2.
April 1, 2025 – House-Level & RoRo Compliance
House-level ENS filing starts for maritime shipments. Road and rail carriers must comply for accompanied and unaccompanied RoRo freight.
September 1, 2025 – Mandatory ICS2 Compliance
ICS2 compliance becomes mandatory for all road and rail carriers entering or transiting through the EU.
Who must comply?
ICS2 Phase 3 applies to road and rail carriers transporting goods into or through the EU, maritime and inland waterway operators, freight forwarders issuing House Bills of Lading, postal and express carriers, and certain final consignees within the EU.
If your business involves the movement of goods by road or maritime from the UK to the EU, this regulation directly affects your operations.
What must be submitted under ICS2?
Economic Operators (EOs) must file a complete and accurate Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) before goods are transported. This includes:
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A complete commercial description of the goods
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6-digit Harmonised System (HS) commodity codes
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Information on the seller, buyer, consignor, and consignee
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The EORI number of the consignee (if assigned)
05
Full details of transport means, route, and documentation
Why does this matter?
ICS2 enhances EU customs risk analysis by requiring earlier and more detailed data submissions. This supports safer supply chains but also increases the responsibilities on logistics providers and importers. Failure to comply could result in delays or holds at EU borders, risk referrals and additional scrutiny, rejected ENS filings, and financial penalties.
Hexagon: Fully compliant and ready
At Hexagon, we are already fully aligned with ICS2 requirements for movements into France and across the EU. We ensure:
01
Pre-arrival ENS filing via trusted UK clearing agents
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Envelope logistics to streamline Smart Border formalities
03
Groupage and full-load services that remain ICS2-compliant across the board
04
Integrated support to manage HS code validation and customs documentation
Our 50+ years in European freight give us the expertise and infrastructure to lead during this customs transition.
How Hexagon simplifies ICS2 compliance
Navigating ICS2 Phase 3 can be complex, especially for operators managing cross-border supply chains.
That's why Hexagon delivers more than just filing support, we offer end-to-end expertise tailored to your cargo and route.
From classification to coordination, our solutions are built to reduce risk, minimise delays, and ensure every shipment aligns with EU customs protocols.
Whether you’re moving chemicals, machinery, consumer goods or e-commerce cargo, our team ensures you meet every ICS2 requirement with confidence.
FAQs about ICS2 Phase 3
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If your systems aren’t yet connected to ICS2, you must request a deployment window from your National Customs Authority. This allows extra time to prepare and test systems before the compliance deadline.
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Yes. ICS2 supports multiple filing, allowing different actors (e.g., carrier, freight forwarder, consignee) to submit parts of the ENS. This offers greater flexibility and safeguards confidential information.
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For road transport: at least 1 hour before arrival at the EU border.
For rail: generally 1-2 hours depending on the journey length.
For maritime: up to 24 hours before loading, depending on voyage length and containerisation.
Don’t wait until September
ICS2 Phase 3 is not just a regulatory update, it’s a logistical shift. Ensuring your shipments remain compliant, punctual, and penalty-free means working with a partner who is already ahead of the curve.
Get in touch today
Contact Hexagon for a consultation or to request a quote. Our team is standing by to help you stay compliant and competitive in the evolving EU logistics landscape.
About Hexagon
Established in 1973, Hexagon International Transport Ltd is a UK-based freight forwarding expert specialising in European, ocean, and air freight. Trusted by over 10,000 customers across 25+ European routes, we are known for our integrity, efficiency, and commitment to tailored logistics solutions.
We are AEO-certified and members of BIFA, FIATA, RHA, and CKMA.
Learn more about Hexagon or call us today to speak with a specialist.
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